Search Results (75)

Unbalanced accelerations occurring during tram travel have a significant impact on passenger comfort and safety, as well as on the rate of wear and tear on infrastructure and rolling stock. Ideally, these dynamic forces should be monitored continuously in real-time; however, traditional systems require high-precision accelerometers and proprietary software—investments often beyond the reach of municipally funded tram operators. To this end, as part of the research project “Accelerometer Measurements in Rail Passenger Transport Vehicles”, pilot measurement campaigns were conducted in Poland on tram lines in Gdańsk, Toruń, Bydgoszcz, and Olsztyn. Off-the-shelf smartphones equipped with MEMS accelerometers and GPS modules, running the Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite Pro app, were used. Although the research employs widely known methods, this paper addresses part of the gap in affordable real-time monitoring by demonstrating that, in the future, equipment equipped solely with consumer-grade MEMS accelerometers can deliver sufficiently accurate data in applications where high precision is not critical. This paper presents an analysis of a subset of results from the Gdańsk tram network. Lateral (x) and vertical (z) accelerations were recorded at three fixed points inside two tram models (Pesa 128NG Jazz Duo and Düwag N8C), while longitudinal accelerations were deliberately omitted at this stage due to their strong dependence on driver behavior. Raw data were exported as CSV files, processed and analyzed in R version 4.2.2, and then mapped spatially using ArcGIS cartograms. Vehicle speed was calculated both via the haversine formula—accounting for Earth’s curvature—and via a Cartesian approximation. Over the ~7 km route, both methods yielded virtually identical results, validating the simpler approach for short distances. Acceleration histograms approximated Gaussian distributions, with most values between 0.05 and 0.15 m/s², and extreme values approaching 1 m/s². The results demonstrate that low-cost mobile devices, after future calibration against certified accelerometers, can provide sufficiently rich data for ride-comfort assessment and show promise for cost-effective condition monitoring of both track and rolling stock. Future work will focus on optimizing the app’s data collection pipeline, refining standard-based analysis algorithms, and validating smartphone measurements against benchmark sensors. Full article

With the acceleration of urbanization, the development of urban rail transit networks has become an essential component of modern urban transportation. The construction of new urban rail transit lines often involves crossing existing operational lines, posing significant safety risks and technical challenges. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the safety risk assessment and control measures for the construction of new double-line shield tunnels crossing beneath existing tunnels in complex strata, using the project of Line 5 of the Nanning Urban Rail Transit crossing beneath the existing Line 2 interval tunnel as a case study. This study employs methods such as status investigation, numerical simulation, and field measurement to analyze the construction risks. Key findings include the successful identification and control of major risk sources through refined risk assessment and comprehensive technical measurement. The maximum settlement of the existing tunnel was effectively controlled at −2.55 mm, well within the deformation monitoring control values. This study demonstrates that optimized shield machine selection, improved lining design, interlayer soil reinforcement, the dynamic adjustment of shield parameters, and the precise measurement of shield posture significantly enhance the efficiency of shield tunneling and construction safety. The results provide a valuable reference for the settlement and deformation control of similar projects. Full article

The extension of high-speed rail (HSR) lines around the world is increasing. The largest network today is in China, followed by Spain, Japan, France, and Italy; currently, new lines are being built in Morocco and Saudi Arabia. The goal of the new lines built is to drastically reduce the time distances between the extreme railway terminals by intervening on the two main components of time: space and speed. The two components have been investigated in various fields of engineering for design conditions (ex ante/a priori). In the literature, there is no analysis of what happened in the realization of the projects (ex post/retrospective). The research problem that arises is to analyze the high-speed lines built in order to verify, given a pair of extreme terminals, how much the length is reduced by passing from a conventional line to a high-speed line, and to verify how this length is getting closer and closer to the distance as the crow flies. The reduction of spatial distance produces direct connections between two territories, making the railway system (HSR) more competitive compared to other transport alternatives (e.g., air travel). To address the problem posed, information and data are collected on European HSR lines, which constitute a sufficiently homogeneous set in terms of railway and structural standards. The planimetric characteristics of specially built lines such as HSR are examined. A test method is proposed, consisting of a model that is useful to compare the length along the HSR line, with direct lengths, and existing conventional lines. The results obtained from the elaborations offer a first answer to the problem posed, demonstrating that in the HSR lines realized the spatial distances approach the distance as the crow flies between the cities located at the extremes, and are always shorter than the lengths of conventional lines. The final indications that can be drawn concern the possibility of using the results obtained as a reference for decision-makers and planners involved in the transport planning process at national and international level. Future research directions should study the values of the indicators in other large HSR networks, such as those built in Asia, and more generally study all the elements of the lines specially built to allow better sustainable planning, reducing the negative elements found and increasing the positive ones. Full article

Magnetic levitation (maglev) technology offers significant advantages for rail transport, including frictionless propulsion, reduced noise, and lower maintenance costs. However, its widespread adoption has been limited due to the need for a dedicated infrastructure incompatible with conventional rail networks. The MaDe4Rail project, funded by Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (ERJU), explores Maglev-Derived Systems (MDSs) as means to integrate maglev-inspired solutions into existing railway corridors with minimal modifications. This paper focuses on the so-called “hybrid MDS” configuration, which refers to levitating systems that can operate on existing rail infrastructure. Unlike current maglev systems, which require dedicated tracks, the proposed MDS system is designed to operate on conventional rail tracks, allowing for its compatibility with traditional trains and ensuring the interoperability of lines. In order to identify the most viable solution, two different configurations have been analysed. The evaluated scenario could benefit from the introduction of hybrid MDSs based on magnetic levitation, where a group of single vehicles, also called pods, is used in a virtual coupling configuration. The objective of this case study is to increase the capacity of traffic on the existing railway line by significantly reducing travel time, while maintaining a similar energy consumption to that of the current conventional trains operating on this line. Simulation results indicate that the hybrid MDS can optimise railway operations by taking advantage of virtual coupling to improve traffic flow, reducing travel times and energy consumption with the optimisation of the aerodynamic drag. The system achieves a balance between increased speed and energy efficiency, making it a viable alternative for future rail transport. An initial cost–benefit analysis suggests that the hybrid MDS could deliver substantial economic advantages, positioning it as a promising solution for enhancing European railway networks with minimal infrastructure investment. Full article

High-Speed Rail (HSR) has long been proposed as a transformative infrastructure project for Australia; yet, despite multiple feasibility studies and significant government expenditure, it remains unrealized. This study investigates the key barriers preventing HSR implementation. To achieve this, a novel mixed-methods approach that triangulates a comprehensive literature review, in-depth expert interviews, and broad stakeholder survey was employed. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to quantify the relative importance of the identified barriers. Simultaneously, qualitative insights were gathered through interviews with industry leaders, government officials, and infrastructure experts. This dual approach provided a comprehensive understanding of the challenges. The findings highlight the importance of external factors. These include political uncertainty, financial constraints, and systemic logistical challenges, which go beyond technical feasibility. Based on these insights, this research identifies critical early-stage risks and contributes to a re-evaluation of HSR not solely as a transport solution but also as a vital tool for regional development. Refining cost and time estimation methodologies using reference class forecasting, fostering proactive political engagement to secure bipartisan support, enhancing private sector collaboration through early contractor involvement and risk-sharing mechanisms, and developing a national upskilling framework to address workforce shortages were also key findings. The study has garnered industry recognition and support, with experts acknowledging its contribution to the ongoing discourse on HSR implementation in Australia. Full article

With the growing demand for mobility fueled by global population expansion and rapid urbanization, the intricate interplay between public transport and land use, along with their economic, environmental, and social externalities, has emerged as a critical concern for policymakers and the public alike. This study assembles publicly available academic literature, including papers, reports, books, and news articles, to construct a comprehensive database. Using CiteSpace 5.8.R3 software, this study conducts a visualized analysis of 10,470 scholarly works on public transport and land use published since 1932, identifying and synthesizing the researcher, research stages, research theories, research models, and research hotspots. Findings reveal that since Mitchell and Rapkin first introduced the transport–land use relationship in 1954, research in this field has steadily gained traction, particularly after the 1973 oil embargo crisis. The Journal of Transport and Land Use and institutions such as the University of Minnesota’s Transportation Research Center have played pivotal roles, particularly with the establishment of the World Society for Transport and Land Use Research (WSTLUR). In recent years, China’s high-speed rail expansion has further revitalized interest in this field. Prominent scholars in this domain include Robert Cervero, Reid Ewing, Michael Duncan, and Peter Calthorpe. Major theoretical frameworks encompass utility theory, urban economic theory, and the human–land system theory. Key modeling approaches include the spatial interaction model, the stochastic utility model, and urban economic models. Current research hotspots center on safety and public health, equity and valuation, environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, as well as transit-oriented development (TOD) and accessibility. This systematic literature review offers valuable insights to inform land use planning, enhance spatial structure, guide transportation project decision making, and optimize transport infrastructure and service provision. Full article

This study investigates the role of subcontracting partnerships in enhancing collaboration and sustainability in urban rail transit system design, addressing the challenges posed by fragmented practices and environmental goals under China’s “Dual Carbon” policy. Using a mixed-methods approach, we integrate structural equation modeling (SEM) and factor analysis to identify critical success factors (CSFs) and their impacts on design performance. SEM, a statistical technique capable of analyzing complex relationships between unobservable “latent variables” (e.g., trust, innovation) and measurable outcomes, was employed to validate the hypothesized relationships among five key factors: Excellence in Quality, Interactive Collaboration, Collaborative Vision, Risk Strategy, and Strategic Innovation. Factor analysis consolidated 19 CSFs from the literature into these five constructs, explaining 69.09% of the variance. The SEM results revealed that Excellence in Quality, Interactive Collaboration, Risk Strategy, and Strategic Innovation directly improve design performance, while Collaborative Vision indirectly influences outcomes through mediating effects on risk management and innovation. These findings provide actionable strategies for leveraging BIM/blockchain tools and institutional frameworks to enhance sustainability in urban transportation projects. By contextualizing partnership dynamics within China’s state-led infrastructure ecosystem, this research enriches the theoretical understanding of partnership mechanisms. Full article

This paper discusses the development of baseline and mitigation scenarios to guide the creation of a long-term plan supporting low-carbon transport in Ethiopia. Developing this method involved comprehensively reviewing policy documents, collecting historical activity data, and modelling the baseline and mitigation scenarios. The paper emphasises the importance of stakeholder engagement, which is instrumental in validating the model inputs, policy targets, and results at each stage, ensuring the credibility and robustness of our findings. The scenario development and analysis are based on the IPCC guidelines, informed by the policies of the Government of Ethiopia, and implemented with the Low-Energy Analysis Platform (LEAP). Three net-zero scenarios are assessed for the time horizon between 2020 to 2050. The so-called maximum ambition, NDC-aligned, and late action scenarios reflect the energy requirements and emissions contribution for varying levels of government ambition towards low-carbon interventions in the transport sector. In the baseline scenario, the total amount of carbon emissions is estimated at 4.81 million tonnes of CO₂e in 2020, which is projected to increase to over 15 million tonnes by 2050. Under the mitigation scenarios, significant reductions are projected, with specific interventions like electrification in road freight reducing emissions by 9.68 MtCO₂e and expanding rail transport reducing 9.95 MtCO₂e by 2050 compared to the baseline. Other strategies identified for mitigating transport sector emissions, like improving energy efficiency, encouraging mass transit and non-motorised transport, show good potential for achieving a greener future. With the transport sector in Ethiopia identified as a major contributor to GHG emissions and climate change, this paper underscores the government’s efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of its transport sector. Full article

Transport networks are crucial for economic growth, yet their sustainability is increasingly threatened by natural hazards. Recent floods in Italy have highlighted the vulnerability of rail and road infrastructure, causing severe damage and economic losses. The Gargano Promontory in northern Apulia has experienced frequent hydrogeological disruptions over the past decade, significantly affecting bridges and the railway network managed by Ferrovie del Gargano s.r.l. (FdG). However, structural interventions are complex, time-consuming, costly, and involve certain risks. To enhance sustainability and comply with railway safety regulations, FdG has adopted non-structural measures to improve hydrogeological risk classification and management. Despite the prevalence of flood events, the existing literature often overlooks crucial technical aspects, which this study addresses. The HYD.RAIL (HYDraulic Risk Assessment for Infrastructure and Lane) research project aims to improve transport infrastructure resilience by refining hydraulic risk assessments and introducing new classification parameters. HYD.RAIL employs a multicriteria approach, integrating parameters defined in collaboration with railway professionals. This paper presents the initial framework, offering a methodology to identify, classify, and manage hydrogeological risks in transportation infrastructure. Compared to standard methods, which lack detailed risk classification, HYD.RAIL enables more precise flood risk mapping. For example, high-risk points were reduced from 37 to 6 locations on Line 1 and from 134 to 50 on Line 2 using HYD.RAIL. This approach enhances flood risk management efficiency, providing railway operators with a more accurate understanding of infrastructure vulnerabilities. Full article

China’s urban rail transportation sector has been developing rapidly in recent years. However, frequent construction activities have led to more construction safety accidents, resulting in life and economic losses. To deal with safety accidents, emergency preparedness documents are fully developed. Based on the theory of ontology, this study proposed a case-based reasoning method that can retrieve the most similar cases to the target case and help to develop emergency preparedness documents quickly and efficiently. Specifically, an ontological framework for urban rail construction safety was constructed first in the Protégé platform based on risk factors of urban rail construction projects. Then, a case retrieval method was proposed, calculating the similarities between source cases and target cases. The analytic hierarchy process was used to determine the weights of each risk factor to match the most similar cases and provide a reference for the rapid generation of emergency preparedness of target cases. This study contributes to the current body of knowledge by providing valuable examples for the application of ontology-based case-based reasoning technology in the field of hazard management, which not only realizes knowledge sharing and full and effective utilization of past experiences but also significantly improves the hazard prevention and emergency preparedness capabilities in urban rail transit construction projects. At the same time, this study makes hazard management more systematic and efficient and provides important support for the long-term sustainable development of the urban rail transit construction industry in both social and economic dimensions. Full article

This study focuses on estimating transportation system-related emissions in CO₂ eq., considering several socioeconomic and energy- and transportation-related input variables. The proposed approach incorporates artificial neural networks, machine learning, and deep learning algorithms. The case of Turkey was considered as an example. Model performance was evaluated using a dataset of Turkey, and future projections were made based on scenario analysis compatible with Turkey’s climate change mitigation strategies. This study also adopted a transportation type-based analysis, exploring the role of Turkey’s road, air, marine, and rail transportation systems. The findings of this study indicate that the aforementioned models can be effectively implemented to predict transport emissions, concluding that they have valuable and practical applications in this field. Full article

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has significantly disrupted global food supply chains, exacerbating existing food security challenges. To mitigate these disruptions, this study proposes a comprehensive approach to establishing sustainable intermodal terminals and technology parks along the Ukrainian–Polish border. To address this research issue, we analyzed the Ukrainian and global grain markets using publicly available statistical data. This analysis revealed the need to enhance grain transit through Poland, with terminal development identified as a crucial factor. Furthermore, a thorough analysis of the Polish freight rail transport market provided forecasts of potential demand for rail transit. Utilizing Petri nets as a modeling tool, we simulated the transit system at the macro level. Based on this simulation, we identified potential locations for freight terminals at the Ukrainian border near EU countries. Employing the AHP methodology, we evaluated these potential locations and selected Kovel in the Volyn region of Ukraine as the most promising alternative. For this location, we proposed the development of a new technological park. The implementation of this project, with the capacity to process and clear up to 600 wagons per day, would facilitate the transshipment of up to 3000 tons of grain per day from Ukraine to EU countries. Full article

This study investigates the viability of incorporating bicycles into the Dhaka Metro system, a groundbreaking urban transit project for Bangladesh. As Dhaka’s inaugural metro rail network, the system signifies a substantial advancement in addressing urban congestion and enhancing transportation alternatives in one of the world’s most densely populated cities. The current design of the metro fails to accommodate bicycles, hindering efficient first- and last-mile connectivity. The investigation utilized data from 382 fully completed questionnaires, obtained through purposive sampling, about metro–cycle integration in Dhaka. The research employed RIDIT and TOPSIS analyses to rank the characteristics deemed most essential for bicycle–metro integration according to user opinions. Research indicates that secure bicycle parking, multi-modal ticketing, route comfort, and safety measures are the foremost objectives for commuters. The high emphasis on secure parking indicates the need for safe and accessible storage options that would make cycling a viable mode for reaching metro stations. A multi-modal ticketing system further enhances convenience, providing seamless transitions between transit modes. Journey comfort and the need to mitigate risks posed by motorized vehicles underscore the importance of safe and user-friendly commuting environments. While features like road and station design were ranked lower in priority, the study emphasizes that a well-integrated bicycle infrastructure is essential to ensure the metro system’s success. With these improvements, Dhaka’s metro system can meet the growing demands for sustainable and inclusive urban mobility, setting a precedent for future infrastructure projects in Bangladesh. Full article

Transport energy demand (TED) forecasting is a crucial issue for countries like Turkey that are dependent on external resources. The accuracy and effectiveness of these forecasts are extremely important, especially for the strategies and plans to be developed. With this in mind, different forms of forecasting models were developed in the present study using the Walrus Optimizer (WO) and White Shark Optimizer (WSO) algorithms to estimate Turkey’s energy consumption related to road and railway transportation modes. Additionally, another objective of this study was to examine the impacts of different transport modes on energy demand. To investigate the effect of demand distribution among transport modes on energy consumption, model parameters such as passenger-kilometers (P-km), freight-kilometers (F-km), carbon dioxide emissions (CO₂), gross domestic product (GDP), and population (POP) were utilized in the development of the models. It was found that the WO algorithm outperformed the WSO algorithm and was the most suitable method for energy demand forecasting. All the developed models demonstrated a better performance level than those reported in previous studies, with the best performance achieved by the semi-quadratic model developed with the WO, showing a 0.95% MAPE value. Projections for energy demand up to the year 2035 were established based on two different scenarios: the current demand distribution among transport modes, and a demand shift from road to rail transportation. It is anticipated that the proposed energy demand models will serve as an important guide for effective planning and strategy development. Moreover, the findings suggest that a balanced distribution among transport modes will have a positive impact on transport energy and will result in lower energy requirements. Full article

With the rapid development of urban rail transportation, people’s demand for subways has gradually manifested itself. The inherent complex attributes of subway project construction determine that subway project construction has a relatively high risk, resulting in huge losses. This paper takes the opportunistic behavior of the subway project as the research object, proposes the opportunistic behavior identification process, and constructs the opportunistic behavior identification model based on the BP neural network. Firstly, through the collection and analysis of subway accident cases, the main forms of opportunistic behavior are summarized, and the primary characteristic indicators for opportunistic behavior recognition are extracted using cluster analysis. Secondly, a recognition model based on a BP neural network is designed. The number of neurons in the input layer, hidden layer, and output layer of the model is determined, and the recognition model is subsequently trained and tested to validate its feasibility. Finally, the constructed opportunistic behavior recognition model is applied to an actual subway construction project, revealing that the construction enterprise of the project in question exhibits a high level of opportunistic behavior risk. Overall, the research results of this paper have important theoretical significance and practical value for the management level of subway project construction enterprises under the new situation and the identification and governance of opportunistic behavior of subway project construction enterprises. Full article